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ILP Tips: Fun and Simple Fall Activities for Toddlers

  • info389693
  • Oct 10
  • 2 min read

Toddler in colorful sweater sits among autumn leaves, holding two yellow leaves, smiling in a sunlit park, creating a joyful scene.

Fall is a wonderful season full of rich colors, textures, and natural changes—making it the perfect time to engage toddlers in developmentally appropriate activities. Whether at home, in the classroom, or in a therapy setting, these fall-themed ideas encourage exploration, creativity, and learning through play. 


Each activity below includes helpful ILP tips to support targeted developmental goals in areas such as fine motor skills, sensory processing, language development, and social-emotional growth.


  1. Jack-O-Lantern Sensory Bag


    Pumpkin guts and seeds in a square shape with a jack-o'-lantern face, taped onto wood with blue painter's tape. Playful Halloween theme.

Sensory bags are a great way to explore for little ones that are still mouthing everything. It allows you to present items that are not for tasting or are choking hazards at a younger age. If you plan on carving a pumpkin this year don’t throw away the insides.

 

Put them into a freezer bag and seal the bag with packing tape (this will keep spills from happening and keep your little ones from getting to what’s inside). Then use a permanent marker and give your Jack-O-Lantern a face. 


Let your littles squish the jack-o-lanterns face or try to pinch at the seeds inside. This will allow them to have a stimulating sensory experience in a way that is safe all while working on key development skills like fine motor development. 


  1. Smash The Pumpkins


    Young child with curly hair uses a wooden mallet to shape orange playdough on a table. Wearing a gray shirt with "Wild Boys Club" text.

    If your child enjoys hammering, this one will be a hit also. Roll your play dough into balls and add a green stem to make it look more like a pumpkin. Then give your child either a hammer or potato masher and let them smash away.


  1. Fall Leaf Sun Catchers


    Stained glass piece of an orange-red maple leaf hangs outdoors against a blurred green background, capturing the essence of autumn.

    Collect colorful fall leaves and press them between two sheets of contact paper. Cut into fun shapes and hang them in a sunny window to brighten the room with autumn colors.


  1. Handprint Turkey Painting


    Child's turkey handprint art on white paper; bright red, yellow, orange, and green painted feathers. Playful, creative mood.

    Use your toddler’s handprint to create a festive turkey! Paint their palm and fingers with different colors, press onto paper, and add details like eyes, beak, and feathers for a cute keepsake.


  1. Autumn Sensory Bins


    Mini pumpkins, pine cones, leaves, and corn on kernels create an autumn-themed display. Warm, natural colors evoke a cozy fall mood.

    Fill a bin with dry corn kernels, small pumpkins, leaves, and pinecones. This tactile activity encourages sensory exploration and helps with fine motor development.


  1. Fall Nature Scavenger Hunt

    Head outside for a simple scavenger hunt. Look for leaves, acorns, pinecones, or anything seasonal. It’s a great way to build observation skills and enjoy nature.


 Wrapping It Up


Fall is full of natural inspiration—and it doesn’t take much to turn everyday moments into rich learning opportunities for toddlers. With a little creativity, you can use this vibrant season to spark curiosity and support developmental goals in fun, engaging ways.


Remember, the most meaningful learning happens through play. These activities are not only enjoyable—they’re intentional, supporting your child's unique path toward growth and discovery.



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